justmel1957

I used to be a big liquid drinker w my meals. Probably 3-4 glasses of beverage. Its taken some work at the beginning, but now has become very easy. I do order my drink at restaurants, but get it in a "to go" cup so I can take it with me and enjoy later.

I had the HH repair and it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I had had years of night time reflux with aspirations causing chemical burns/pneumonias (it was actually the thing that got me qualified for the LB surgery) Even if I hadnt lost a pound I would have been overjoyed at just the result of having the HH finally repaired. The post op recovery time was the same, no big deal.

It really sounds like you are doing pretty well, its just the brain is messing with you! As for me, I know myself and I KNOW that I can get obsessed with the scale, so I rarely weigh myself. I judge by my clothes, and how I feel. I will get on the scale every month or so to check in or whenever I feel I might be falling off the wagon a bit. Just to see where I am. Its easy for me to say, but if you are doing fine with the amount of fill or unfill you have, I wouldn't mess with it too much. I personally think that if you can do without it, do it. When you need a fill, and the help, make an appointment. It's all a crazy journey, isn't it? We are all different, but the way you are describing your situation, it looks like you are doing everything right now and on your way to success. If you are losing inches, and your clothing sizes are going down, then you're on your way. The number game is certainly important, but its not the only way (weigh-lol) to measure success!

Got the band inserted at 50......will be 52 in November.

SueB55: I wish I could say "wait....it will get better" but having the removal is of course your choice. But I do think if you could wait it out a while, it would level out. I can remember being 4 weeks out, feeling "not so good" and struggling with what to eat, what not to eat, what to try, experiencing all the trials and errors in figuring out this thing. But, now that I am 14 months post op-Im so glad I had it done. Im at goal, and actually beyond that. I would say it took me about 6 months to get comfortable with the band and all of the things that go along with it. Good luck on whatever you decide............

Its normal to feel the way you do at this point. And, yes, you have lost a friend...........most of us have used food as our friend to support and console us thru the years, but your new BFF is waiting.........the one who smiles back at you when u look in the mirror and LOVES what is smiling back! Hang in there-once you get some good restriction your views on food should change. It's funny how that happens, but it does. I wouldn't go back for anything...........I only wish I'd done it sooner.

I am 5'7" and started with a BMI of about 37 also. It took me right at a year to reach goal and I'm hovering right around 147 or so.

I used to drink TONS with my meal, and it was hard at first to keep from doing that, but eventually it became very easy. I do drink b4 my meal arrives and take a "to go" cup of my beverage with me when I leave a restaurant. Once in a great while I may take the tiniest sip while eating, but have to wait until Im sure my last bite made it down safely. I agree with the poster who said that drinking with her meal caused PB's.......it does in my case as well, so I avoid it and it really has become 2nd nature. My uusband said just the other night when we were at a mexican restaurant "I can't believe you dont drink with ur meal anymore-you used to have to have 3-4 refills" He is amazed too how easy it has been for me to refrain.

Totally agree on the hair goop issue..........what a mess that was to get out......ugh..........and at the time my hair was pretty short.

Its just one of those hoops you're gonna have to jump thru.......... It's just an inconvenience, really no big deal otherwise..... Bring your own pillow......the ones at most "facilities" are pretty sad.....you're not gonna sleep well anyway, but having ur own pillow might help.

anything but FAT and POOR!!!

looking in the mirror everyday and loving what I see!

excellent advice newdecarlo................and here's a help.... to get your sprite or 7up flat, put it in the blender and spin for just a few seconds. it will flatten it immediately....(learned that when working in the pediatric wards)

Bottom line...............when you tell ANYONE there is a BIG possibility of it getting out. It's just fact. Most people can not keep a secret. Plain and simple. I'm sorry for you, but when you say you only told a "few people" then your odds of it getting out went up dramatically. But, just take it in stride and prove them all wrong! You can do it! We are all rooting for you!

Sometimes I feel the band. Never really felt much from the port side, but can feel the band occasionally.....especially after a fill. But sometimes for no reason at all I can feel a tiny bit of a "squeeze" or tightness. It usually passes after a bit, but I know what you mean.

I do quite a few nuts.............prefer almonds or cashews for snacks. Just a handful will do me. Anything crunchy is easy for me. Its the breads I have to really b careful with.

Im 52 and am saving for it..........I say if you can afford it, and want it, go for it..........age is only a number and the emotional lift you will get is priceless. Look at it this way, now that you are thin, life is really just now beginning, so make the most of it! However, if it would be a financial burden, then you really need to give it some deep consideration.

I'm not proud of it, but if I'm being honest, I truly don't exercise like I should. I have good intentions, and go thru spurts of doing good, but honestly, most of the time it doesn't happen. I can give you a variety of reasons (yes, excuses) but I'm sure you've heard them all! Despite that, I have been very successful. I'm at goal (actually past goal) and really don't have any problems. One of the lucky ones I guess. I'm not suggesting you not exercise............I think you should. But, you asked if anyone had lost without exercising, so decided to honestly answer.

I didn't really go thru that, but I do think most of us do.......to me it has been a very xciting time. Now that Ive lost the weight I have replaced the food with other fun things I would have never done. Mourning food, is completely normal..........but allow yourself to move on. Real life is just around the corner my friend. And you know what..........for me, there are very few foods I miss......and if I want them, I eat them, but just a bite or 2......it works for me. It's all about portion control, exercise and staying healthy. Not deprivation. Good luck!

Yes, its a very sad sight! LOL Ive gone from a 42DD to a 36DD, but until I can afford PS have found the most wonderful bras at Victoria's Secret. 1) The Very Sexy Push Up 2) The miracle bra Push Up They do the job girls! But, they are kinda pricey......$50-$60 each depending on style etc. If you wait til they have their mid year or end of year sales you can get them for $15 each. Also, E-bay is a place where you can usually find them at a much lower price.

That rarely happens (I'm a former surgical nurse). It is possible but hardly ever happens. If they did insert before you were completely under your throat would be anesthetized (deadened) to take away your gag reflex and it would only take a few seconds. But, most of the time you are well under before the endotrachael tube is inserted. You may be awake somewhat when they remove it, but you are just asked to cough and then they pull............very very fast. Don't let it keep you up at night. I think you will b fine!!!

I knew going in it would take some time, but rejoiced in a slow consistent loss. I didn't weigh at home, so when I got to the office a 5 lb loss seemed monumental. I'm 5"7" tall and I started at 232 lbs and am now about 145. Lost it over a year......looking back that seems really fast......and actually it was fun for me thru the whole journey.....shopping all along the way, new sizes, lots of compliments, etc......

Gosh, if I recall comrrectly it was the group of women I work with. They have been very encouraging on my journey. I'm 14 months out and at goal (actually a little past goal) and even still, people still comment. I work in a governement facility of about 1400 employees so it can be months before I run into someone again, but just yesterday an employee walked by me and said "damn, you look hot-and 10 years younger!" .....it was all I needed to get thru the day! :bored:

Of course his opinion matters, but its ultimately your decision. Just make sure you are prepared just in case he never lightens up about it and makes life miserable. I'm sure his insecurities are a lot of the problem, and perhaps that will lessen in time. Good luck to you............sounds like you will need to rely on others for emotional support for a while. Keep us posted.